Washington D.C. Laws
Requirement to Record: Not legally required to be recorded. However, it must be recorded to provide notice to third parties.[1]
Expiration: In Washington D.C., constructive notice does not expire by statute.
Maximum Term: State law does not define a maximum term for a lease with an option to purchase.
No Duration: Within the context of a lease, an option to purchase that has not specified duration will expire when the lease ends.
Signing Requirements: Must be in writing and signed by the seller.[2]
Required Disclosures (6)
1. District of Columbia Tenant Bill of Rights – Tenants in D.C. must receive a copy of the District of Columbia Tenant Bill of Rights.[3]
2. RAD Form 3 – Landlords must give tenants a copy of Housing Provider’s Disclosures.[4]
3. RAD Form 5 – The aforementioned disclosures must be accompanied by this form.[5]
4. Voter Registration Form – Landlords in D.C. must provide tenants with voter registration forms.[6]
5. Bedbug Facts Sheet – If bedbugs were found on a property within the last 120 days, its landlord must notify tenants in writing before a lease agreement is signed.[7]
6. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure & EPA Pamphlet – Tenants must receive both of these forms if the property was constructed before 1978.
Seller’s Disclosures (1)
1. Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement (required) – Required by law for a seller to complete and give to a buyer. This form is approved by the District of Columbia for use.[8]